Portable-Reusable Steel Batter Boards

ABSTRACT

A batter board device is disclosed that allows for easier, and more efficient construction work. The batter board device comprises a pair of tubing sections each comprising a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the pair of tubing sections comprises an angled section. The angled sections allow the tubing sections to be secured together to create an approximately 90 degree angle. Further, the angled sections are secured together via a hinge, which allows the tubing sections to be collapsed for storage. Additionally, the batter board device comprises at least one receiving component secured to the tubing sections for retaining a stake. The batter board device further comprises at least one square tubing component secured to the tubing sections for retaining a string line.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/623,620 filed Apr. 13, 2012.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, batter boards are constructed from regular 2×4 pieces of wood. These batter boards must be made new for each project and cannot be reused. This increases the expense and hassle required for each new project, as individuals must purchase new boards and hammer them together into four corners every time to create the batter boards. Further, to square up the foundation, an individual needs to hammer the nails into the wood to adjust the batter boards, and this can be a tedious process. If a board is bumped by a piece of equipment while working, it is possible for the board to crack and need replaced. Thus, individuals need a set of batter boards that are sturdy and can be reused from project to project.

There is a need for a device that helps construction workers save time and money on a job. The present invention provides a batter board device that is lighter than traditional batter boards, and facilitates easy transportation and repeated use from project to project. This batter board device saves money by eliminating the need for a user to purchase new 2×4's for every project. The batter board device is easy to set up and makes job preparation quick and convenient, and helps to finish projects faster and more efficiently. Further, during use, the batter board device holds its shape securely, without risk of cracking and needing replaced in the middle of a project. Anyone who works in construction would benefit from the convenience and efficiency this device provides.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a batter board device that allows for easier, and more efficient construction work. The batter board device comprises a pair of tubing sections each comprising a first end and a second end. Further, the first end of each of the pair of tubing sections comprises an angled section. The angled sections allow the tubing sections to be secured together to create a corner, i.e., an approximately 90 degree angle. Further, the angled sections are secured together via a hinge, which allows the tubing sections to be collapsed for storage.

In a preferred embodiment, the batter board device comprises at least one receiving component secured to the tubing sections for retaining a stake. The stakes are inserted into the receiving components which are positioned on the tubing sections, and then secured at the desired height by a locking nut or other suitable securing component. The batter board device further comprises at least one square tubing component secured to the tubing sections for retaining a string line. The square tubing component is slid onto the tubing sections, and then secured at the desired position by a locking nut or other suitable securing component. Then, a string line is attached to the square tubing components and secured.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the batter board device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the batter board device with the stakes inserted in the receiving components in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the batter board device with the string line attached to the tubing in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the batter board device collapsed for storage in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the batter board device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of multiple batter board devices in use, in an octagonal shape, in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention discloses a batter board device that is lighter than traditional batter boards, and facilitates easy transportation and repeated use from project to project. This batter board device saves money by eliminating the need for a user to purchase new 2×4's for every project. The batter board device is easy to set up and makes job preparation quick and convenient, and helps to finish projects faster and more efficiently. Further, during use, the batter board device holds its shape securely, without risk of cracking and needing replaced in the middle of a project. Anyone who works in construction would benefit from the convenience and efficiency this device provides.

The disclosed batter board device comprises a pair of tubing sections each comprising a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the pair of tubing sections comprises an angled section. The angled sections allow the tubing sections to be secured together to create an approximately 90 degree angle. The pre-manufactured corners ensure a perfect 90 degree corner every time. Further, steel stakes can be inserted effortlessly through the included 1″ pipes (receiving components) on the batter board device, which enables the batter board device to be adjusted to the desired height easily. To adjust the square, a user must simply unscrew the handle that holds the string line pin, reposition it until it forms the desired square shape, and retighten the screw handle. Furthermore, the angled sections are secured together via a hinge, which allows the tubing sections to be collapsed for relatively easy transportation and storage.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the batter board device 100 that allows for easier, and more efficient construction work. The batter board device 100 comprises a pair of tubing sections 102 each comprising a first end 104 and a second end 106. Typically, the pair of tubing sections 102 are rectangular in shape, however any other suitable shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The pair of tubing sections 102 would generally be constructed of thin-walled steel, aluminum, zinc, or any other similar metal, etc., though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the pair of tubing sections 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The pair of tubing sections 102 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs to suit user and manufacturing preference. Each tubing section 102 is approximately between 24 and 36 inches long as measured from the first end 104 to the second end 106, and approximately between 1 and 2 inches in diameter.

Typically, the pair of tubing sections 102 are hollow, but they do not have to be and can function by being partly or wholly solid. Further, the first end 104 of each of the pair of tubing sections 102 comprises an angled section 108. The angled sections 108 allow the tubing sections 102 to be secured together to create a corner. Specifically, the angled sections 108 are secured together to form an approximately 90 degree angle, as shown in FIG. 1. The angled sections 108 are typically secured together via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as welding, brazing, hinging, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the angled sections 108 are secured together via a hinge 110, which allows the tubing sections 102 to be collapsed for storage (as shown in FIG. 4).

The batter board device 100 further comprises at least one receiving component 112 secured to the tubing sections 102 for retaining a stake 200 (as shown in FIG. 2). The receiving component 112 is a pocket, a through hole, etc., or any other suitable receiving component as is known in the art. Typically, there are four receiving components 112 secured to the tubing sections 102, with two receiving components 112 positioned on each of the pair of tubing sections 102. The receiving components 112 are generally 1.0 inch high, but can be any suitable height as is known in the art, and are sized to receive a stake 200. The stake 200 is approximately 36 to 48 inches in length from first end 202 to second end 204, but can be any suitable length as is known in the art. The stake 200 would generally be constructed of steel, aluminum, zinc, or any other similar metal, etc., though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the stake 200 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

The receiving components 112 comprise securing component 114 for securing the stakes 200 within the receiving component 112, at a desired height relative to the ground. The securing components 114 typically comprise any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as a set screw, a taper lock, a locking nut, etc. Thus, stakes 200 are inserted into the receiving components 112 which are positioned on the tubing sections 102, and then secured at the desired height by a locking nut or other suitable securing component 114 (as shown in FIG. 2).

The batter board device 100 further comprises at least one square tubing component 116 secured to the tubing sections 102 for retaining a string line 300 (as shown in FIG. 3). The square tubing component 116 is a rectangular slide that slides over the tubing sections 102, or any other suitable square tubing component as is known in the art. Typically, there are two square tubing components 116 secured to the tubing sections 102, with one square tubing component 116 positioned on each of the pair of tubing sections 102. The square tubing components 116 are generally 2½ inches long, but can be any suitable length as is known in the art, as long as they can be slid onto each tubing section 102 and secured in place. The square tubing section 116 would generally be constructed of steel, aluminum, zinc, or any other similar metal, etc., though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the square tubing component 116 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

The square tubing components 116 comprise securing components 118 for securing the square tubing components 116 on the tubing sections 102. The securing components 118 typically comprise any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as a set screw, a taper lock, a locking nut, etc. Thus, the square tubing components 116 are slid onto the tubing sections 102, and then secured at the desired position by a locking nut or other suitable securing component 118. Then, a string line 300 is then attached to the square tubing components 116 and secured (as shown in FIG. 3).

FIG. 4 illustrates the batter board device 100 collapsed for storage. As stated supra, the batter board device 100 comprises a pair of tubing sections 102 each comprising a first end 104 and a second end 106. Further, the first end 104 of each of the pair of tubing sections 102 comprises an angled section 108. The angled sections 108 allow the tubing sections 102 to be secured together to create a corner. Specifically, the angled sections 108 are secured together to form an approximately 90 degree angle, as shown in FIG. 1.

The angled sections 108 are typically secured together via a hinge 110, which allows the tubing sections 102 to be collapsed for storage. Thus, the hinge 110 would allow the tubing sections 102 to be folded together in an approximately parallel configuration for easy and convenient storage. A user would then unfold the tubing sections 102, forming an approximately 90 degree corner with the tubing sections 102. The user then places the un-folded batter board device 100 in the respective corners of the foundation area.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate the batter board device 100 in use. In operation, a user (not shown) would choose the color and/or specific design of the batter board device 100 that meets their needs and/or wants. The user would then unfold the batter board device 100 such that the tubing sections 102 form an approximate 90 degree corner (or whatever degree corner is needed), and would place multiple batter board devices 100 in the foundation area. Specifically, the user would place a batter board device 100 in each respective corner of the foundation area (as shown in FIG. 5), and could use as many batter boards as needed for different shaped foundations (as shown in FIG. 6). Four steel stakes 200 are then driven into the ground through each receiving component 112 of the batter board device 100. The batter board devices 100 can then be adjusted to the desired height via the steel stakes 200, and secured in place via a locking nut or securing component.

A square tubing component 116 is then slid onto each tubing section 102 of the batter board device 100 and secured in position via a locking nut or other securing component. The string line 300 is then attached to the square tubing component 116 and pulled to create the perfect square or rectangle. To adjust the string line 300 to the square/rectangle, the user would simply unscrew the locking nut of the square tubing component 116, reposition the string line till it forms the desired shape and measure for square. And if the string line 300 is not square, then the user would loosen the locking nut and slide the string line 300 whichever way (left or right) to make it square, and then re-tighten the locking nut to retain the string line 300 in the desired shape and position. Thus, the use of the batter board device 100 makes setting up faster. Furthermore, while working, the batter board device 100 retains the shape of its string line 300 securely, without risk of cracking and needing replaced in the middle of a project.

Once the foundation is finished, the user removes the string line 300 and loosens the locking nut of the square tubing components 116. The user then removes the batter board devices 100 from the respective corners of the foundation by removing the steel stakes 200, and folds the tubing sections 102 together, in a parallel configuration for relatively easy transportation and storage. Moreover, said devices 100 can be reused on subsequent projects, thereby reducing the cost of said projects and the time involved in constructing new devices.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A batter board device, comprising: a pair of tubing sections each comprising a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of each of the pair of tubing sections comprise an angled section, such that the angled sections can be secured together to form an approximately 90 degree angle.
 2. The batter board device of claim 1, wherein the tubing sections comprise thin-walled steel tubing.
 3. The batter board device of claim 1, further comprising at least one receiving component secured to the tubing sections for retaining a fastener.
 4. The batter board device of claim 3, wherein there are four receiving components secured to the tubing sections.
 5. The batter board device of claim 4, further comprising a securing component for securing the fasteners within the receiving component, at a desired height relative to the ground.
 6. The batter board device of claim 5, wherein the securing component is a locking nut.
 7. The batter board device of claim 1, further comprising at least one square tubing component secured to the tubing sections for retaining a string line.
 8. The batter board device of claim 7, wherein there are two square tubing components secured to the tubing sections.
 9. The batter board device of claim 8, further comprising a securing component for securing the two square tubing components on the tubing sections.
 10. The batter board device of claim 9, wherein the securing component is a locking nut.
 11. A batter board device, comprising: a pair of tubing sections each comprising a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of each of the pair of tubing sections comprise an angled section, such that the angled sections can be secured together to form an approximately 90 degree angle; and a plurality of receiving components secured to the pair of tubing sections for retaining a plurality of stakes.
 12. The batter board device of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of securing components for securing the plurality of stakes within the plurality of receiving components, at a desired height relative to the ground.
 13. The batter board device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of securing components are locking nuts.
 14. The batter board device of claim 11, wherein the tubing sections comprise thin-walled steel tubing.
 15. The batter board device of claim 11, further comprising at least one square tubing component secured to the tubing sections for retaining a string line.
 16. The batter board device of claim 15, wherein there are two square tubing components secured to the tubing sections.
 17. The batter board device of claim 16, further comprising a securing component for securing the two square tubing components on the tubing sections.
 18. The batter board device of claim 17, wherein the securing component is a locking nut.
 19. A batter board device, comprising: a pair of steel tubing sections each comprising a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of each of the pair of tubing sections comprise an angled section, such that the angled sections can be secured together to form an approximately 90 degree angle; a plurality of receiving components secured to the pair of steel tubing sections for retaining a plurality of stakes; and at least one square tubing component secured to the steel tubing sections for retaining a string line.
 20. The batter board device of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of securing components for securing the plurality of stakes within the plurality of receiving components, at a desired height relative to the ground. 